The Opening Round of the NCAA College Football Championships will be returning to Sydney for the second time, after Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, secured the event.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Chipchase said the event reinforced Sydney’s position as the home of Australia’s biggest and most exciting sporting events.

“Today’s announcement ensures NSW remains the number one State for tourism and major events,” Ms Chipchase said.

“Everyone who attended in Sydney fell in love with the colour and excitement of College Football in August last year, with a global audience watching the University of California, Berkeley defeat the University of Hawaii.

“Events of this magnitude are an added attraction and reason for people to visit Sydney from around Australia and the world and this helps to drive our State’s economy.

“It’s anticipated more than 18,000 domestic and international visitors will flock to Sydney – an influx estimated to inject around $14 million in visitor expenditure.”

The match will be played at Allianz Stadium this year giving visitors the opportunity to experience the heart of the city and everything on offer nearby.

“Visitors will be spoilt for choice with great shopping and dining at nearby Paddington and Surry Hills with countless beautiful beaches just a stone’s throw away and of course the pre and post touring options into regional NSW are an added bonus for all visitors,” Ms Chipchase said.

“This event will give our city incredible exposure across the United States, with the Sydney Cup the only American Football game broadcast live on that day. We look forward to welcoming Stanford, Rice and thousands of fans from around Australia and the world to Sydney and NSW next year.”

“The College Football Sydney Cup is yet another world class sporting event on our 2017 calendar. It will add another dimension to an incredible line-up, which also includes the tour by Arsenal FC, the NRL All Stars in Newcastle, Sydney 7s rugby, the NRL Grand Final, Australian Open of Surfing and many more.”